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1992 saw the birth of Madhouse Records, a collaboration of excellence, developed from a fusion of the business acumen of Janet Davidson and the creative genius of musical guru, Dave Kelly. Home of dancehall anthems like "Action", "Slam", and "Joyride", Madhouse is a true reggae institution.
The philosophy of the work at Madhouse reflects the chorus of Kellyâs hit tune by Terror Fabulous and Nadine Sutherland, "Action": "Action÷not a bag of mouth". Since its inception, without seeking publicity or hype, Madhouse has been quietly and relentlessly producing the biggest sounds in dancehall. Madhouse has been responsible for the dissemination of true dancehall music worldwide by releasing hit tunes without compromising the art-form by watering down the music in hopes to "cross-over" into the mainstream. Madhouse Records does not follow trends, it sets them.
In 1987 Janet was living in London, running Germaine Music along with producer Donovan Germaine. Meanwhile Daveâs brother, Tony Kelly, was assistant engineer at Tuff Gong and Dave was being trained under his wing. By 1989 Germaine , having recognized Daveâs talent, offered him a position at the infamous Slipe Road Penthouse studio. Janet, also began managing Maxi Priest that year. The following year Tony and Dave, at young ages 21 and 18 respectively, accompanied them on the road as engineers.
Two years later Dave returned from the road full of ideas and itching to execute them. His career prospered in the studio. As a songwriter, musician, and engineer, Dave Kelly played a crucial role during Penthouseâs glory days. By 1992 Dave had dancehall classics such as Buju Banton Îs "Bogle", "Love Mi Browning" and "Batty Rider"; Beres Hammondâs/Cutty Rankâs Tempted to Touch", Tony Rebelâs "Fresh Vegetable", and Marcia Griffithâs "Fire Burning" under his production credits .
Janet Davidson, whose management experience included everyone from Peter Tosh to Placido Domingo, recognized the need for hyper-creative Kelly to expand his potential as a producer. Together they set up Madhouse Records. The formation of his own company with Janet Davidson enabled him to maintain control over the production of his material.
In the beginning they worked from home but were soon able to re-invest the fruits of their labour back into the business, enabling it to expand. In 1996 she and Dave started a distribution house, Platinum Distribution at Mikey Benettâs Grafton Road recording complex. But, by 1997 Platinum Distribution moved into its own building. The Madhouse Complex was then completed at Half Way Tree including offices as well as The Boxx, Daveâs own recording studio.
Madhouse is highly organized and efficient in a world where chaos reigns supreme. Whereas the traditional reggae label floods the market with dozens of releases, Madhouse only drops a few select records a year. Because each record stamped with the logo has been tailored made to bring out the best in the artist, the Madhouse logo is a symbol with credibility. Assuring high quality tunes, Madhouse has established "die-hearted" loyalty with both deejays and consumers alike.
Releases on the flagship Madhouse record label and sub-labels like Xtra Large (XL) which cater to more hardcore tastes include: Beenie Manâs "Slam" and "Old Dog", Lady Sawâs "Sycamore Tree" and "Eh Hem" , Frisco Kidâs "Rubbers" and "Little and Cute", Bounty Killerâs "Eagle and the Hawk" and "Canât Believe My Eyes", Spragga Benzâs "Dolly House" and "We Nuh Like", Baby Chamâs "Man and Man" and "Gallong Yah Gal", Wayne Wonderâs "Joyride" and "Bashment Girl", Daddy Screw/Donovan Steeleâs "Kerry", Terror Fabulous/Nadine Sutherlandâs "Action", Buju Bantonâs "Big It Up" and "Only Man". Custom-built Madhouse Rhythms include Pepperseed, Rae Rae, Action, Arab, Joyride, Haunted, Showtime, Stink, Dugu Dugu, Bruk-Out, Back Yard, Bug, Clone, Bounce, and Return.
An integral part of Madhouse music is the ÎAliasâ project. Described by Kelly, "Alias is an artists collective of the new millennium". With Alias, no holds are barred. Anything goes÷except one thing :as the artists involved with the Alias project enter the session, they must leave their egos outside the studio. The artists (all established) assume aliases, allowing them to shed any preconceived notions or stereotypes as they test unchartered waters . Producers deejay, deejays play instruments, and singers produce and write tunes during these spontaneous sessions .
Some of the other projects that Dave Kelly has been worked on lately include Shaggy's "Hotshot", Rayvon's "My Bad", the title theme for Scooby Doo, and Foxy Brown's "Broken Silence".
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